Bible Question:
In the days of Martin Luther and other like men, a Reformation from the papist traditions was brought about. A Reformation was necessary in those days, which helped steer the church back to Bibical truth. I came across the following quote, which made me pause to dwell upon the direction the church has taken in our times. Consider the quote posted belowand then answer the ensuing question. “We must have A NEW REFORMATION. There must come a violent break with that irresponsible, amusement-mad, paganized pseudo-religion which passes today for the faith of Christ and which is being spread all over the world by unspiritual men employing unscriptural methods to achieve their ends.” Do you feel it's time for the church to go through another period of Reformation? What are your thoughts about this? New Creature |
Bible Answer: New Creature - Well, of course, it is always a time for reformation and renewal, both of the church and of the Christian believers who constitute it. In the days of my youth it was commonplace for congregations to hold what was known in those days as a "sawdust revival." In summer the church would rent a tent, sprinkle sawdust on the floor, bring in a traveling evangelist and hold themselves a week-long revival, meeting every night during the week and handing out paper fans on a stick that were always supplied by the local funeral parlor. Those days are long gone, I'm afraid. ..... But I gather that what your question encompasses a sweeping national or world reformation of the church and its people, so vast that it will bring millions to a saving knowledge of Christ. From my limited point of view, it appears as though it is long overdue. But nothing of the sort can or will happen unless God elects to pour out His Spirit upon the people of the world, convict them of sin, and draw them to Christ. God alone is sovereign. As He works in believers "to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13) so does He, I firmly believe, will and do of His good pleasure" as he works His purpose out in the world of His creation. .... By the way, New Creature, what's the source of your quote? --Hank |